Thank you for your interest in contributing to Open Source Judaism! We believe the future of Jewish life is built together — one shared resource at a time.

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This guide will help you prepare your toolkit (SDK) for submission so it’s easy for others to explore, adapt, and build on.

 

🧰 What Is an SDK?

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A Synagogue Development Kit (SDK) is a modular resource for Jewish communal life. It might be:

• A lesson plan or curriculum outline

• A prayer service guide or kavannot collection

• A lifecycle ritual playbook

• A leadership or volunteer training manual

• An engagement strategy with tools and templates

• A holiday guide or family activity bundle

 

If it’s practical, purposeful, and rooted in Jewish values — it likely belongs here.

 

✅ What to Include in Your Submission

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Each SDK should contain:

1. Title – Clear and concise (e.g. Shabbat in the Park Playbook)

2. Short Description (2–3 sentences) – What is it? Who is it for? Why is it useful?

3. Category Tags – Choose from: Prayer, Education, Engagement, Leadership, Innovation, Lifecycle, Holidays, Justice, Youth, Family, Digital/Hybrid

4. Main Resource File(s) – PDF, Google Doc, or folder with templates, worksheets, slides, etc.

5. How to Use It – 1–2 paragraphs describing how a user might implement, adapt, or remix the kit

6. Attribution – Your name, title/role, and optional org (or keep anonymous)

7. License – We recommend a Creative Commons license (e.g. CC BY or CC BY-SA) to keep it open and remixable. (Learn more about license types here.)

 

💡 Tips for Great Submissions

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• Keep it modular: Think LEGO blocks, not IKEA instructions.

• Add context: A short “How We Used This” paragraph makes it much more usable.

• Make it editable: Google Docs and Canva templates are ideal for remixing.

• Use clear file names: e.g. ShabbatFamilyToolkit_Overview.pdf or TeenEngagement_ActivityCards.docx

• Include visuals (optional): Photos, graphics, or sample outputs help others see what’s possible.

 

🙏 Our Tone & Ethos

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This project is built on:

• Respect for each contributor’s voice and background

• Generosity in sharing what we’ve built

• Creativity in how we remix and adapt

• Covenantal trust that we are co-creating something bigger than any one of us

 

If your submission reflects those values, you’re in the right place.

 

🔗 How to Submit

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1. Review this guide and prepare your materials

2. Fill out the Contributor Form

3. Upload your files or include shareable links

4. Look for your kit in the Library within 1–2 weeks

5. Want to discuss or refine your kit first? Join our Discord Community